Shillong: The Meghalaya government has announced significant traffic restrictions on the Umiam Bridge starting on March 31 for essential maintenance work on the Spillway Bridges, including the replacement of bearings and expansion joints.
According to the authorities, the bridge will be completely blocked from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 31. Until April 8, a partial opening of the road will be available to vehicles weighing up to four tons on one lane of the bridge.
From 7 a.m. on April 8, the bridge will be open to vehicles weighing up to 15 tons, but only half of the bridge’s lane will be accessible.
The government has designated specific alternative routes for commuters during the maintenance period. Light motor vehicles (LMVs) can use either the Shillong-Mawtawar-Umiam Airport road (VIP Road)-Lad Umroi Road, covering a distance of 45 km, or the Shillong-NEIGRIHMS-New Shillong Towanship-Diengpasoh-Lad Umroi Road, spanning 63 km.
Heavier vehicles, including heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) and buses, are advised to take the Shillong-Laitkor-Mawryngkneng-Lad Umroi Road, covering a distance of 92 km, or the Shillong-Mairang-Nongkhlaw-Guwahati Airport Road, extending over 120 km.
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The traffic restrictions are aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of the maintenance operations on the Umiam Dam Bridge. The government has urged commuters to follow the designated alternative routes and cooperate with the authorities during the maintenance period.
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